More Myanmar professionals in Singapore heading home to tap booming economy

More young Myanmar professionals are being drawn to the prospects of a growing economy at home, they may also be pushed out by tightening labour laws in Singapore, members of the community said. -- NP FILE PHOTO: GAVIN FOO

By Joanna Seow

Despite working as an IT analyst in multinational companies here for seven years, Myanmar national Aung Kyaw had his application for permanent residency rejected six times.

So last year, he decided to return home to focus on his trade and human resources company in Yangon, which he opened in December 2011.

"Business is booming in Myanmar, and I want to build up my own company rather than have to renew my pass every year," the 32-year-old father of two said over the phone.

More young Myanmar professionals are being drawn to the prospects of a growing economy at home. They may also be pushed out by tightening labour laws in Singapore, members of the community said.